Mr Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong, the Tano South Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) says the Municipal Security Committee (MISEC) has intensified measures to clamp down on cocoa smugglers in the area.

He warned the cocoa smugglers in the area to refrain from the practice, or be prepared to face the full rigours of the law.

Mr Frimpong gave the assurance when he opened the Quality Control Office of the Ghana Cocoa Board at Bechem in the Ahafo Region.

He explained that the opening of the office at Bechem was in the right direction to improve the cocoa sector in the municipality and urged the cocoa farmers to utilize the office.

Nana Addai Asubonteng, the Ankobeahene (sub-chief) of the Bechem Traditional Area commended the government for the establishment of the office.

He said that the new office would improve cocoa production as well as quality beans and also enhance the livelihoods of the cocoa farmers.

Sompaonline/K Peprah